Variable throw crank drive mechanism for automatic pinsetter



1965 M. e. GAUTRAUD ETAL 3,199,869

VARIABLE THROW CRANK DRIVE MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC PINSETTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 25, 1962 INVENTORS.

PM m- 9 -9 Aug. 10, 19 5 M. e. GAUTRAUD ETAL 3,199,869

VARIABLE THROW CRANK DRIVE MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC PINSETTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 25, 1962 1955 M. G. GAUTRAUD ETAL 3,199,369

VARIABLE THROW CRANK DRIVE MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC PINSETTER Filed April 25, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 3,199,869 VARIABLE THROW CRANK DRIVE MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC PINSETTER Aug. 10, 1955 M. G. GAUTRAUD ETAL 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 25, 1962 51/02 T STAOAQ TF9 VEL Aug- 10, 1965 M. e. GAUTRAUD ETAL 3,199,869

VARIABLE THROW CRANK DRIVE MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC PINSETTER Filed April 25, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 LONG arm/ 5 1 Tim va United States Patent 3,199,369 VARIABLE THRGW CRANK DRIVE MECHANISJVI F03 AUTOMATZC PINSETTER Michael G. Gautraud, Muskegon, Mich and Alexander J.

Albrecht, West Engiewood, N..I., assignors to Brunswick Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 25, 1962, Ser. No. 190,676

18 Claims. (3. 273-42) This invention relates to bowling alley pinsetters, and more particularly to a control mechanism particularly suited for use in an automatic pinsetter.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved automatic pinsetter for a bowling alley.

As will appear more fully hereinafter, the present invention is applicable to many environments, but will be described in the environment of a bowling alley pinsetter, for example, a Brunswick pinsetter which is fully disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,949,300, to Huck et al. Many automatic pinsetters have a deck movable about a bowling alley bed for handling bowling pins. The deck is generally mounted for vertical reciprocal movement between several operative positions. In a normal elevated position the deck may receive a new complement of bowling pins and await operation to a lower position for setting this new complement of pins on the bowling alley bed, as after a strike or second ball of a frame; or the deck may merely await operation to an intermediate position for detecting any standing pins on the bowling alley bed after the first ball of a frame. If any pins are detected, apparatus on the deck lifts these pins so that dead wood may be removed from the bowling alley bed by a suitable rake apparatus, and then the lifted pins are replaced on the bed in the precise position from which they were lifted.

Movement of the pinsetter deck through its various positions is controlled, along with operation of the pinsettcr generally, by an actuating mechanism, popularly called a brain. In normal operation of the pinsetter, the brain is actuated each time a bowling ball is rolled down the alley, and directs the pinsetteithrough a suitable cycle of operation. Various control mechanisms responsive to such a brain are known in the art for operating the pinsetter deck, and while many of these expedients are entirely satisfactory, it is highly desirable that the operating mechanism be of as simple and rugged a construction as is possible in keeping with optimum performance of the deck. It is particularly desirable that parts of a type which are likely to fail, or which are costly or difficult to repair or replace, be eliminated in favor of other parts and assemblages which are more practical. For example, clutches and sliding joints are usually more expensive and cause more maintenance problems than rigid connections and pivoted joints.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a new and improved control mechanism for a pinsetter deck.

Another object is provision of a new and improved operation of a pinsetter deck.

A further object is provision of new and improved mechanism for modifying normal sinusoidal reciprocation of a pinsetter deck.

A still further object is provision of a new and improved mechanical linkage, and such a linkage particularly suited for use in an automatic pinsetter.

A more specific object is provision of a new and improved mechanism for controlling operation of a pinsetter deck through various positions, this mechanism including a variable stroke crank having a no-stroke position and suitably linked with the pinsetter deck for controlling reciprocal movement of the deck through various masses i atented Aug. 10, 1965 ice cycles, the mechanism being operable for varying the stroke of the crank corresponding to various positions of the deck to facilitate consistent cyclic operation of a drive for the mechanism. A related object is provision of means for modifying normal sinusoidal reciprocation of the deck to provide optimum pinsetter operation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the pit portion of a bowling alley including an automatic pinsetter incorporating an embodiment of the invention, with parts removed for clearer illustration;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of an embodiment of control mechanism for operat ing a deck structure of the pinsetter, and including a variable stroke crank in normal position;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the control mechanism, taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary section, taken generally along the line 44 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side elevational View of the control mechanism during initial movement to a short stroke position;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view, to a reduced scale, of the control mechanism in short stroke position;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of the control mechanism during initial movement to a long stroke position, with parts broken away for clearer illustration;

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view of the control mechanism in long stroke position;

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational View of the control mechanism in position for no stroke operation, with parts broken away for clearer illustration; and

FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view of the control mecnanism during no stroke operation.

While an illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, and will be described in detail herein; the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, and it should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention is, in brief, directed to a control mechanism including a variable stroke crank, particularly suited for controlling operation of an automatic pinsetter deck between various positions. Operation of this control mechanism is instigated by a pinsetter brain, which may be in keeping with the teaching of the aforementioned Huck patent, and this brain causes operation of a drive mechanism through a consistent cycle for driving the control mechanism and therethrough the pinsetter deck. The variable stroke crank has a no-stroke position so that the pinsetter deck may be retained in a normal first position while the drive moves through its normal cycle. Reciprocal movement of the pinsetter deck through a lower extended position and an intermediate position is provided by its weight and its connection with the control unit, and the drive mechanism is of such a nature as to vary normal sinusoidal reciprocation of the deck to provide improved pinsetter performance. Additional functions and features of the invention will be apparent from. the following description with reference to the drawlDgS.

The pit end of a bowling alley is shown in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, wherein a normal complement of ten pins 10 are positioned in normal manner on a bowling alley bed 11 adjacent pit 12 for receiving these pins as as they are knocked down by a bowling ball which also passes into pit 12. Automatic handling of the pins is provided by an automatic pinsetter 15, which may be of a type as described in the aforementioned Huck patent. A deck structure 16 of the pinsetter is movably mounted over the pit end of bowling alley bed 11, and in the illustrated embodiment is mounted for substantially vertical reciprocal movement toward and away from the bed between a normal, elevated or retracted first position N, an intermediate short stroke pin detecting position S and an extended long stroke pinsetting position L. If standing pins are encountered, then the deck will not move fully to its detecting position. Such reciprocal movement or" pinsetter deck 16 is provided by suitable mounting of the deck and pivotally connecting vertical deck posts 17 on either side of deck 16 with torque arms 13 mounted at their rear ends on a frame portion 19 of the deck and connected by a suitable torque tube (not shown). Frame 19 may be in any suitable form, and in the claims merely means a portion with which another specified portion is associated as stated.

The function of pinsetter deck 16 in its various positions will be described only to the extent necessary for a clear understanding of the invention. With a complement of ten pins 16 positioned in normal manner on the pit end of bowling alley bed 11, as shown in FIGURE 1, the deck is in its normal elevated first position N. As the first ball of a frame is bowled and passes into pit 12 it strikes pit cushion 21, which is suitably mounted on pinsetter frame 1% and causes a clutch 22 to be engaged thus placing the pinsetter drive train in operation. After operation of a rake (not shown) to a guard position, deck 16 moves substantially to its short stroke pin detecting position S wherein it detects any standing pins 16 on bed 11. Upon detecting standing pins a scissor mechanism on deck 16 grips the pins and the deck then returns to its normal first position N to permit the rake mechanism to move any fallen pins into pit 12. While this rake mechanism is returning to its guard position, deck 16 again moves almost to its short stroke position S and resets the standing pins in the precise position from which they were lifted, whereupon deck 16 again returns to its normal position N and the rake ascends completing this cycle of operation. Should the deck 16 fail to detect any standing pins on bed 11 by moving all the way to the short stroke position, this would indicate a strike, and deck is would return to its normal position N to permit the rake mechanism to remove the fallen pins from bed 11. When in this normal position the deck 16 receives an entirely new complement of pins from a suitable pin distributing mechanism (not shown). While the rake mechanism is returning to its guard position the deck 16 moves from normal position N to long stroke position L to set the new complement of pins 16, and again returns to its normal position N. If a strike occurs the detector will cause deck 16 to again operate through its first ball cycle upon bowling of the second ball of the frame. Responsive to the second ball of a frame striking pit cushion 21, deck 16 remains in its normal first position N while the rake'mechanism clears all pins, whether standing or fallen, from bowling alley bed 11, and while the rake mechanism is returning to its guard position, deck 16, which has already received a new complement of pins 10 as previously described, moves toward its long stroke position L and sets this new complement of pins on bed 11, thereafter returning to its normal position awaiting another first ball cycle. It should be noted that each cycle of pinsetter deck 16 involves two phases, either two vertically reciprocal passes toward and away from bed 11, or retention of deck 16 in its normal first position N during one entire phase and one reciprocal pass toward and away from bed 11 during the other phase of this type cycle.

Operation of the deck between its various positions is controlled from control means connected by link means to the pisetter deck as disclosed in the aforementioned Huck patent.

The drive means includes a constantly operating motor 23 coupled through cushion operated clutch 22 with a drive belt 24 operatively connected for driving an input shaft 25 (FIGURES 2 and 3). This shaft is suitably journalled in a portion of pinsetter frame 19 and is fixedly secured to a gear 26 which engages and drives a second gear 27 which is fixedly secured to an output shaft 23 also journalled in a position of pinsetter frame 19. Fixedly secured to, and preferably formed integrally with shaft 28 is a member 30, and because of other functions not directly related to the present invention, member 36 is illustrated in cam form.

The control mechanism includes member 30, and in the illustrated embodiment member 39 is in the form of a first crank member or arm of a variable stroke crank mechanism. This variable stroke crank mechanism is operable in various positions, including a retracted or no-stroke position as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, and other positions including an intermediate short position as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, and an extended long stroke position as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8. Each of these crank positions corresponds to one of the pinsetter deck positions, as will appear hereinafter. The variable stroke crank includes a plurality of members movaoiy connected in series, and more particularly first arm 3% which is rotatably mounted by shaft 28 on pinsetter frame 19, an intermediate crank member or arm 31 which is pivotally connected by a pin 32 to first arm 3% at a point spaced from shaft 28, and a terminal crank member or arm 33 pivotally connected by a pin 34 to intermediate arm 31 at a point spaced from pin 32. A second end of the variable stroke crank is defined by a free end of terminal arm 33 which is suitably pivotally connected, as by a pin 35 spaced from pin 34, with a rigid link 36 of link means operatively connected with the deck.

Means is provided for releasably holding these arms in their retracted no-stroke position, includes latch means in the form of a bifurcated selector member 48 pivoted to first arm 39 by pivot pin 41. This selector has a finger 42 with a free end which engages free latchends 43 and 44 of intermediate arm 31 and terminal arm 33 respectively, as may best be seen in FIGURE 4. Selector d) is movable between three predetermined positions, one corresponding to each of the three crank positions, and to this end a bifurcated ratchet member 46 is pivoted to first arm 39 by a pivot pin 47, and has one arm with a roller as selectively received in one of three notches 4-9 on the periphery of selector 4i). Ratchet 46 is resiliently urged into releasable holding engagement with a sel cted one of these notches 4-9 by means of a spring 59 connected to the other finger of the ratchet and to legs of a bifurcated holding member unit 51 which is pivoted to first arm 3% by a pivot pin 52. Second legs 53 of this holding member releasably hold latch ends 4-3 and 5-4 of the intermediate and terminal arms, respectively, in a manner similar to that of selector finger 42, to retain these arms against movement one way from retracted position. As either or both the intermediate and terminal arms return to their normal position their latch ends move the respective legs 53 so that the arms may be seated in normal position, as shown by phantom lines in FEGURE 5. \Vith the control mechanism in the retracted position shown in FIGURE 9, ratchet roller 48 is in the uppermost selector notch 49 and the crank arms are firmly retained in retracted position.

Means is provided for moving selector .9 between any of its three positions, and these means are illustrated in the form of a bifurcated follower member 55 pivoted to first arm 3% by pivot pin 55 and having one leg connected to selector 46 by a link 57. This follower has a roller 56 which cooperates with suitable means, here in the form of set up cam arm 66 integral with a shaft 61 journalled in frame 19 and carrying a connector arm 53 connected with resilient means for urging arm 6% into engagement with a control arm 63. Pivoted to control arm 63 is an operating rod 64 controlled by the pinsetter detector for positioning cam arm 61). Thus, as set up cam arm is rotated in a clockwise direction, as seen in FIGURE 2, it rotates follower 55 in a counterclockwise direction to move the selector from its no-stroke position as shown in FIGURE 9 to its intermediate short stroke position as shown in FIGURE 6, and then to its extended long stroke position as shown in FIGURE 7, all responsive to operation of the detector. As previously discussed, in each of these selector positions the ratchet 4-6 releasably holds the selector.

As selector 46 moves to its short stroke position as shown in FIGURE 6, its finger 42 is rotated counterclockwise to disengage latch end 44 of terminal crank arm 33, and when first arm 3% is rotated in a counterclockwise direction the terminal arm is free to rotate about its pivotal connection with intermediate arm 31 so as to increase the efiective length or stroke of the variable stroke crank. Similarly, as selector 4! is moved to its long stroke position through movement of follower 55, ratchet arm 46 is seated in the lowermost selector notch 49 to retain the selector in this position, and selector finger 42 moves out of engagement with latch end 43 of intermediate arm 31 so that both the intermediate and terminal arms rotate about their respective pivots to position the variable stroke crank in its most extended, long stroke position as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8.

Means is provided for returning the selector 40 to its no-stroke position upon each revolution of first arm 31?, in either direction. During rotation in the normal clockwise direction, follower roller 58 engages a cam firmly secured to a portion of pinsetter frame B, and more particularly this follower engages an outer surface as of this cam so that the follower is moved in a clockwise direction, moving the selector to its no-stroke position. As the first arm 36 continues rotation in a clockwise direction, the crank arms 31 and 33, and more particularly their respective locking ends 43 and 4d, engage holding member legs 53 and cooperating cam portions cam the holding member clockwise to permit these arms to return to their retracted position. This operation is similar for both the intermediate and terminal arms or for just the terminal arm.

Should arm 3% be rotated in an opposite direction, that is, a counterclockwise direction as viewed in these drawings, follower roller 58 will ride across inner surface 67 of cam 65 and again be moved in a counterclockwise direction to return selector 48 to its no-stroke position so as to return either or both the intermediate or terminal arms to their retracted position to prevent a jam in the pinsetter as by locking of links, and so forth.

As previously discussed, each of the variable stroke crank mechanism positions corresponds to one of the pinsetter positions, and more particularly the retracted or no-stroke position of the crank mechanism corresponds to the no-stroke end position of pinsetter deck 16, the short stroke position of the crank mechanism as shown in FIGURE 6 corresponds to short stroke position S of deck 16, and the long stroke position of the crank mechanism as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8 corresponds to long stroke position L of deck in.

Link means is provided connecting the variable stroke crank with the pinsetter deck for moving the deck between its various positions, or retaining the deck in its no-stroke first position N responsive to operation of the control mechanism. Herein these means include the previously mentioned link 36 pivotally connected to the terminal connection end of terminal crank arm 33 by pivot pin 35, and an opposite end of this link pivotally connected at to a substantially rigid shock absorbing arm 71 provided with a suitable spring type sh ck absorber, for a purpose to be described hereinafter. Arm 71 is secured to a shaft 72. A deck lift arm 73 is also secured at one end to this shaft and at an opposite end to an upwardly extending extension of deck column 17. In the illustrated embodiment the weight of deck 16 constantly acts to urge deck lift arm 73 in a clockwise direction so that the linkage and the variable stroke crank is under tension. Thus, the control mechanism limits downward movement of deck in and moves the deck upwardly. It should be noted that this particular deck structure detects standing pins 19 on bowling alley bed 11, and this is accomplished by members (not shown) on the deck engaging the heads of these pins during short stroke operation of the deck. Upon such engagement of a pin head, the linkage is no longer under tension since the deck is supported by the pins. The shock absorber of arm 71 limits shock as the control mechanism is again tensioned as it starts to return deck 16 to its normal position N.

Reciprocal movement of deck it? follows a generally sinusoidal cycle with the deck making two reciprocal passes at the alley bed under certain circumstances previously discussed. As the deck moves to its first position N, it is, under certain circumstances to receive a new complement of pins to be set on the bowling alley bed. The apparatus for delivering these pins to the deck is described in the Huck patent. By properly varying the sinusoidal cycle of deck 16, the deck may be brought into position to receive this new complement of pins at an earlier point in the cycle. This is accomplished in the illustrated embodiment, by providing cooperating oval gears 2s and 27 in the drive means for the control mechanism. These oval gears are interrelated with each other and with the control mechanism so that movement of the deck as it approaches its upper or lower positions is slower and its movement in the center portion of the paths between upper and lower positions is faster, thus providing a substantially improved, smoother pinsctter deck operation.

To summarize the operation of the control mechanism, with a newly set complement of ten pins it) on bowling alley bed 11, and as the first ball of a frame strikes pit cushion 21, a detector or brain is actuated and clutch 22 is engaged so that constantly operating motor 23 is connected with a drive train including belt 24 and shaft 25 which drives shaft 28 through meshed oval gears 26 and 27. Member 33, which is a first crank member arm of a variable stroke crank is driven by shaft 23 through two revolutions after which clutch 22 is disengaged. This detector is also connected in a suitable manner with an arm 62 to move set up cam arm at and through follower 55 to move selector 4% to a short stroke position so that terminal arm 33 of the variable stroke crank is released from the retracted, no-stroke position shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, for movement to the short stroke position of FIGURES 5 and 6. Through linkage means including a link 3-6 connected with terminal crank arm 33 and deck lift arm 73 connected with deck column 17 of pinsetter deck 16, the deck is released for controlled movement downwardly from its first position N to its short stroke position S, as illustrated in FIGURE 1. First crank arm has now rotated and as it continues rotation in a clockwise direction, as seen in FIGURE 2, cam 65' engages follower 55 and moves this follower in a clockwise direction to return selector 4t) to its no-stroke position, and terminal crank arm 33 engages holding member 51 to cam this member clockwise so that the terminal crank arm may return to no-stroke position of the variable stroke crank. Thus, while first arm St? is rotatirig from the 180 position to the 360 initial position, pinsetter deck 16 lifts any standing pins 16 off of bowling alley bed 11, and while the deck is again near its normal position a rake mechanism (not shown) clears any fallen pins from bowling alley bed 11. If no pins 13 are detected on the bed the detector is so signalled in order to properly actuate set up cam arm 6% for the second revolution of first crank arm 3i Under these circumstances, deck 15 makes two reciprocal passes toward and away from bed U. and crank arm 3% makes two corresponding revolutions. As crank arm 39 completes its first revolution the detector actuates set up cam arm se to move selector to an appropriate position depending on a strike condition or standing pins remaining on bed 11 after the first ball of the frame.

If any standing pins are detected, the set up carn arm is moved to position selector 4-9 in the short stroke position as during the first revoituion of crank arm 33, and the pins lifted from bed 11 are reset on the bed. In the event of a strike, for the second pass of the deck the detector actuates set up cam arm 6 to move selector to long stroke position so that both terminal arm 33 and intermediate arm 31 are released by selector finger 42, for movement to long stroke position as illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8, and the deck 15 moves to its long stroke extended position L and sets this new complement of pins on bowling alley bed As crank arm 36 completes its second revolution the'variable stroke crank is returned to its retracted, no-stroke position as at the end of the first revolution of crank arm 30, and deck 16 is returned to its first position N as shown in FIGURE 1.

In the absence of a strike, deck 15 returns to its normal position and receives a new complement of pins it to be set on bed ll after the second ball of the frame. In this spare situation, upon the second ball of a frame striking pit cushion 21, clutch 22 is operated for rotating first crank arm 3t? through two complete revolutions. {owever, after the second ball of a frame the pinsetter deck remains in its first position N during the first revolution of crank arm 3-9 While the rake mechanism clears all pins from bowling alley bed 11. The detector then operates set up cam arm 66 to move selector 4% to its long stroke position, releasing both intermediate arm 31 and terminal crank arm 33 for movement of the variable stroke crank to its long stroke position which permits deck 15 to move to its fully extended position L for setting a new complement of pins 19 on bowling alley bed 11. Thus, during the first phase of the cycle the variable stroke crank is retained in its retracted, rte-stroke position tht: retaining the deck in its first position N, and by this expedient the operating mechanism for vertically reciprocating the deck may be substantially simplified since the drive for the deck operating mechanism functions in the same manner and through a consistent cycle irrespective of the required deck operation. Oval gears 26 and 2'7 cooperate to modify normal sinusoidal reciprocation of the deck in such manner that operation of the deck is smoother and the speed of the deck during various phases of its reciprocal cycle is controlled to provide optimum performance.

We claim:

1. In a pinsetter, the combination comprising: a frame, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for vertical reciprocal movement between a first raised position and other positions, a multi-revolution shaft normally operable to move the deck from said first position in each revolution, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and means connecting an opposite second end of said rank on a terminal one of said crank members with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between a retracted position in which the second connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end thereby allowing the shaft to rotate without imparting movement to the deck through the crank, and extended positions corresponding to said other deck positions, latch means for releasably retaining said crank members in retracted position and for selectively releasing said crank members for movement to said extended positions, means for operating said latch means to release said crank members, said terminal crank member first, means movably mounted on said first crank member for selectively positioning said latch means, means to positi- *1 said latch means for holding said crank members in re- ..cted position responsive to rotation of said first crank member in either direction; said means connecting said terminal crank member with said deck holding said deck in said first position when said crank members are retracted and controlling movement of said deck to said other positions when said crank members are in extended positions, and moving said crank members to retracted position as said deck moves toward said first position, and drive means including oval gears connected, respectively, with a source of power and said first crank mem er for rotating said crank mechanism.

2 in a pinsetter, the combination comprising: a frame, a multi-revolution shaft normally operable to move the deck from said first position in each revolution, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for vertical reciprocal movement between a first raised position and other positions including a lower position for setting a new complement of pins and an intermediate position for detecting and handling pins, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including arms pivotally connected end to end in series to define a variable stroke crank, one end of a first arm of said series being rotatably mounted on said shaft and link means connecting an opposite second end of a terminal arm of said series with said deck, said arms being relatively movable between extended positions and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end thereby allowing the shaft to rotate without img move eat to the deck through the crank, latch means for releasably retaining said arms in retracted position and for selectively releasing said arms for move ment to extended positions, said latch means including a latch member mounted on the first arm for movement to selected positions and engaging a portion of each of the other arms when said arms are in retracted position, means for moving said latch member and serially and selectively releasing said other arms, a detent movably mounted on said first arm and selectively engaging said latch member for releasably retaining said latch member in any of its selected positions, a follower movably mounted on said first arm and connected with said latch member for selectively positioning said latch member, means for moving said follower to selectively position said latch member, a cam secured to said frame and engaging said follower 'to move said follower and position said latch member for holding said crank arms in retracted position responsive to rotation of said first crank arm in either direction; said link means connecting the second end connection with said deck holding said deck in first position when said arms are retracted, and controlling movement of said deck to lower position when all said arms are extended, and limiting movement of said deck to intermediate position when less than all said arms are extended, and moving said arms to retracted position as said deck moves toward first position, a holding member movably mounted on said first arm and normally holding the arms against movement in a direction away from the latch member and from retracted position, cooperating cam means on said other arms and said holding member and responsive to movement of any of said other arms to operate said holding member for movement of the arms into retracted position, resilient means connecting said detent and holding member and urging said detent into retaining engagement with said latch member and said holding member into normal position; drive means including interengaging oval gears rotatably mounted on said frame and connected, respectively, with d a source of power and said first arm for rotating said first arm.

3. A pinsetter comprising: a frame, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a first position and other positions including an extended position and an intermediate position, a multi-revolution shaft normally operable to move the deck from said first position in each revolution, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including at least three crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank on one of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second end of said crank on another of said crank members being operatively connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended and intermeiate positions, and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the one end connection thereby allowing the shaft to rotate without imparting movement to the deck through the crank, and said first, extended and intermediate deck positions corresponding, respectively, to retracted, e: tended and intermediate crank positions.

4. A pinsetter comprising: a frame, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a first position and other positions including an extended position and an intermediate position, a multi-revolution shaft normally operable to move the deck from said first position in each revolution, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including at least three crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second end of said crank on a terminal one of said crank members at another end of said crank being connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended and intermediate positions, and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end connection thereby allowing the shaft to rotate without imparting movement to the deck through the crank, and said first, extended and intermediate deck positions corresponding, respectively, to retracted, extended and intermediate crank positions, and latch means for releasably retaining said crank members in retracted position and for selectively releasing said crank members for movement to extended and intermediate positions.

5. in the pinsetter of claim 4, said latch means including a latch member mounted on said first crank member for movement to selected positions and engaging a portion of each of the other crank members when said crank members are in retracted position, and means for moving said latch member and serially and selectively releasing said other crank members from said retracted position, said terminal crank member first.

6. The pinsetter of claim 5, and a detent movably mounted on said first crank member and selectively engaging said latch member for releasably retaining said latch member in any of its selected positions.

7. The pinsetter of claim 5, and a follower movably mounted on said first crank member and connected with said latch member for selectively positioning said latch member, and means mounted on said frame to move said follower and position said latch member for selectively releasing said other crank members.

3. A pinsetter comprising: a frame, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a first position and other positions including an extended position and an intermediate position, a multi-revolution shaft normally operable to move the deck from said first position in each revolution, a cran; mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including at least three crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second end of said crank on a terminal one of said crank members being connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended and intermediate positions, and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end thereby allowing the shaft to rotate without imparting movement to the deck through the crank, and said first, extended and intermediate deck positions corresponding, respectively, to retracted, extended and intermediate crank positions, latch means for releasably retaining said crank members in retracted position and for selectively releasing said crank members for movement to extended and intermediate positions, said latch means including a latch member mounted on said first crank member for movement to selected positions and engaging a portion of each of the other crank members when said crank members are in retracted position, a follower rnovably mounted on said first crank member and operatively connected with said latch member for selectively positioning said latch member in its positions for selectively releasing said crank members, said terminal crank member first, means mounted on said frame for operating said follower to so position said latch member, and a cam mounted on said frame and engaging said follower for operating said follower to position said latch member for holding said crank members in retracted position responsive to rotation of said first crank member in either direction.

9. A pinsetter comprising: a frame, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a first position and other positions including an extended position and an intermediate position, a multi-revolution shaft, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including at least three crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and link means connecting an opposite second end of said crank on a terminal one of said crank members with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended and intermediate positions, and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end and no throw is imparted to the crank due to both ends of the crank being concentric, means for latching the crank members in retracted position said link means connecting said terminal crank member with said deck holding said deck in first position when all said links are retracted, and controlling movement of said deck to eX- tended position when all said crank members are extended, and limiting movement of said deck to intermediate position when less than all said crank members are extended.

It In the pinsetter of claim 9, said link means moving said crank members to retracted position as said deck moves toward first position.

11. A pinsetter comprising: a frame, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a first position and other positions, a multi-revolution shaft normally operable to move the deck from said first position in each revolution, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including at least three crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second end of said crank on a terminal one of said crank members being operatively connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended positions and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end thereby allowing the shaft to rotate without imparting movement to the deck through the crank,

1 l and means operable by movement of said deck toward first position for moving said crank members to retracted position.

12. A pinsetter comprising: a frame, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a first position and other positions, a drive shaft driven through at least two revolutions, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including at least three crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank mechanism on a first of said crank men: ers being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second-end of said crank mechanism on a terminal one of said crank members being operatively connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended positions and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end connection, and a holding member movably mounted on said first crank member and releasably holding the other crank members against movement from retracted position during a revolution of said shaft.

13. A pinsetter comprising: a frame, a multi-revolution shaft, a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a normal position and other positions, a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including at least three crank members movably connected to define a variable stroke crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second end of said crank on a terminal one of said crank members being connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended positions and a retracted position in which the second end connection is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end connection thereby allowing the shaft to rotate without imparting movement to the deck through the crank, latch means for conrolling the position of said crank members, drive means including cooperating oval gears mounted on said frame and connected, respectively, with a source of power and said first crank member for rotating said first crank member.

14. A pinsetter comprising: a frame; a shaft operable through successive revolutions; a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a retracted position and other positions; a crank mechanism for controlling operation of said deck between said deck positions and including a plurality of crank members movably connected to define a variable length crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second end of said crank on another one of said crank members being operatively connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between extended positions and a retracted position in which the second end of the crank is concentric with the rotatable mounting of said one end connection; a selector mechanism for selectively holding or releasing one of said crank members, said selector mechanism including a selector member positioned to engage or release said one crank member when said variable length crank is in its fully retracted position whereby the shaft rotates without deck movement when said crank member is held; and means for controlling said selector member to cause said engaging or releasing of said one crank member as the pinsetter deck passes through a point of zero velocity. V

15. A pinsetter comprising: a frame; a multi-revolution shaft; a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a retracted position, an intermediate position and an extended position; a variable length crank mechanism for controlling movement of said deck between said deck positions and including first, second and third crank members, the first crank member mounted on said shaft for rotation about an axis, an end of said second crank member being pivota-lly connected to said first crank member at a point remote from said axis of rotation, said third crank member being pivotally connected to said second crank member at a point on second crank member between the point where the second crank member is mounted to the first crank member and said axis of rotation, said third crank member also being pivotally connected to a motiontransmitting link at said axis of rotation and remote from the connection of the third member to the second crank member, said link being operatively connected with said deck, the relationship of the pivot points being defined when the crank members are in retracted position; and latching means for either holding the three crank members in overlapping position to have said variable length crank mechanism in retracted position whereby the shaft may rotate without any throw imparted to the crank since both ends are on said axis of rotation, for holding the first and second crank members in overlapping position to have said variable length crank in intermediate position, or for releasing all of said crank members to have said variable length crank mechanism in extended position.

15. A pinsetter comprising: a frame; a multi-revolution shaft; a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a retracted position, an intermediate position and an extended position; a variable length crank mechanism for controlling movement of said deck between said deck positions and including first, second and third crank members, the first crank member mounted on said shaft for rotation about an axis, an end of said second crank member being pivotally connected to said first crank member at a point remote from said axis of rotation, said third crank member being pivotally connected to said second crank member at a point on said econd crank member between the point where the second crank member is mounted to the first crank member and said axis of rotation, said third crank member also being pivotally connected to a motion-transmitting link at said axis of rotation and remote from the connection of the third crank member to the second crank member, said link being operatively connected with said deck, the relationship of the pivot points being defined when the crank members are in retracted position; and a latching means including a three position latch member mounted on said first crank member, said latch member having a first latching position wherein said latch member holds both the second and third crank members immovable relative to said first crank member while said deck is in its retracted position whereby the shaft may rotate without any throw imparted to the crank since both ends are on said axis of rotation, a second latching position wherein the latch member holds the second crank member immovable relative to the first crank member and releases the third crank member for movement while said deck moves to and from its intermediate position, and a third position wherein the latch member releases both the second and third crank members for movement relative to the first crank member while said deck moves to and from its extended position.

17. A pinsetter comprising: a frame; a multi-revolution shaft; a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a retracted position, an intermediate position and an extended position; a variable length crank mechanism for controlling movement of said deck between said deck positions and including first, second and third crank members, the first crank member mounted on said shaft for rotation about an axis, an end of said second crank member being pivotally connected to said first crank member at a point remote from said axis of rotation, said third crank member being pivotally connected to said second crank member at a point on said second crank member between the point where the sec- 0nd crank member is mounted to the first crank member and said axis of rotation, said third crank member also being pivotally connected to a motion-transmitting link at said axis of rotation and remote from the connection of the third crank member to the second crank member whereby the shaft may rotate without any throw imparted to the crank since both ends are on said axis of rotation, said link being operatively connected with said deck, the relationship of the pivot points being defined when the crank members are in retracted position; and latching means for either holding the three crank members in overlapping position to have said variable length crank mechanism in retracted position, for holding the first and second crank members in overlapping position to have said variable length crank in intermediate position, or for releasing all of said crank members to have said variable length crank mechanism in extended position, said latching means including a selector mechanism for selectively holding or releasing one of said crank members, said selector mechanism including a selector member positioned to engage or release said last mentioned crank member when said variable length crank is in its fully retracted position; and means for controlling said selector member to cause said engaging or releasing of said last mentioned crank member as the pinsetter deck passes through a point of zero velocity.

18. A pinsetter comprising: a frame; a multi-revolution shaft; a pinsetter deck mounted on said frame for movement between a retracted position and a lowered position; a crank mechanism for controlling operation of Said deck between said deck positions and including a plurality of crank members movably connected to define a variable length crank, one end of said crank on a first of said crank members being rotatably mounted on said shaft and an opposite second end of said crank on another one of said crank members being operatively connected with said deck, said crank members being relatively movable between an extended position and a retracted position with said crank positions corresponding to said deck positions; means for latching said crank members in retracted position, said second end of said crank being concentric with said shaft when latched in said retracted position whereby the shaft may rotate without imparting movement to the deck through the crank; and a selector mechanism for selectively holding or releasing one of said crank members.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,507,908 9/24 Crawford 74-437 2,688,486 9/54 Hedenskoog 273-42 2,973,204 2/61 Huck et a1. 27343 2,977,121 3/61 Flint et al. 27342 X 3,014,720 12/61 Barrows 273-42 DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner. 

3. A PINSETTER COMPRISING: A FRAME, A PINSETTER DECK MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN A FIRST POSITION AND OTHER POSITIONS INCLUDING AN EXTENDED POSITION AND AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION, A MULTI-REVOLUTION SHAFT NORMALLY OPERABLE TO MOVE THE DECK FROM SAID FIRST POSITION IN EACH REVOLUTION, A CRANK MECHANISM FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF SAID DECK BETWEEN SAID DECK POSITIONS AND INCLUDING AT LEAST THREE CRANK MEMBERS MOVABLY CONNECTIED TO DEFINE A VARIABLE STROKE CRANK, ONE END OF SAID CRANK ON ONE OF SAID CRANK MEMBERS BEING ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT AND AN OPPOSITE SECOND END OF SAID CRANK ON ANOTHER OF SAID CRANK MEMBERS BEING OPERATIVELY CONNECTED WITH SAID DECKD, SAID CRANK MEMBERS BEING RELATIVELY MOVABLE BETWEEN EXTENDED AND INTERMEDIATE POSITIONS, AND A RETRACTED POSITION IN WHICH THE SECOND END CONNECTION IS CONCENTRIC WITH THE ONE END CONNECTION THEREBY ALLOWING THE SHAFT TO ROTATE WITHOUT IMPARTING MOVEMENT TO THE DECK THROUGH THE CRANK, AND SAID FIRST, EXTENDED AND INTERMEDIATE DECK POSITIONS CORRESPONDING, RESPECTIVELY, TO RETRACTED, EXTENDED AND INTERMEDIATE CRANK POSITIONS. 